AGGRESSION IN PROFESSIONAL FEMALE DEFENDER SOCCER PLAYERS

Abstract

The goal of the present study was to investigate the effect of competition on brain activity representing aggression. Quantitative electroencephalograms (QEEGs) of Thai professional female soccer team players were analyzed in terms of aggression. The QEEGs of 17 soccer players were recorded three times: twice before a competition (once per week) and one week after the competition. There was a significant increase in the beta frequency band associated with the Fp1, Fp2, F7, and F8 positions as the competition approached. The changes in brain activity were observed in two patterns: the first was an increase in the intensity level of brain processing (presented in terms of brain topographic maps as absolute power), and the second was the magnitude of the amplitude at each of the EEG channels between the hemispheres (presented in terms of brain connectivity as amplitude asymmetry). Consequently, QEEG values were examined as they related to aggression. In the statistical analysis, paired-sample t tests confirmed that an aggressive phenomenon occurred as the competition approached. In addition, the aggressive phenomenon was found in the brain activity of players with defensive soccer positions.